5 Observations From Amari Cooper's Retirement From the Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders are in an odd position after Cooper retired within a week of the team's first game of the season

Las Vegas Raiders WR Amari Cooper | Darrell Craig Harris, On SI

The Las Vegas Raiders were informed that receiver Amari Cooper was retiring from the NFL on Thursday. Here are five observations from the announcement.

1. Amari Cooper had an opportunity to fix his complicated Raiders' legacy and ruined it

When Cooper was traded from the Raiders to the Dallas Cowboys, Cooper's departing actions made former Raiders jump on Raider talk shows, wishing it was the 80s so they could smack some sense into him.

Oct 12, 2018; Watford, United Kingdom; Oakland Raiders receiver Amari Cooper during press conference at the Hilton London Wembley. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Cooper never had a great relationship with the fan base, but Raider Nation will always show love to those willing to lay it all on the line for the shield. Had Cooper done so in his final NFL act, the issues of years past would have been wiped away, but instead, we sit with another wound inflicted for no reason.

2. Jakobi Meyers has unlimited leverage

Dec 29, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) catches a pass against New Orleans Saints safety Ugo Amadi (0) during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Jakobi Meyers has been professional in his requests for an extension or trade. Despite back-to-back wide receiver sagas, Meyers has been the unwavering hand and has gained tremendous favor with the fan base. If there was any time to apply pressure for a new deal, it's the next two weeks.

3. The weight of the Raiders' passing offense rests on Dont'e Thornton Jr

Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) catches a touchdown pass against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Denzel Burke (29) during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Now that Cooper is gone, the Raiders still need a man-beating big threat with hands. Welcome in rookie speedster Dont'e Thornton Jr. With Brock Bowers already commanding the attention of the defense in the passing attack, it will be up to Thornton to make catches in the critical situations.

4. Chip Kelly must answer the call

This is Chip Kelly's first real chin check as the Raiders offensive coordinator. Cooper is gone, what's next? What do you do with less than five days before the season opener? Pete Carroll trusted Kelly with designing his offense but Carroll does not have time to wait years to get the offense rolling.

Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly (left) with head coach Pete Carroll against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

How Kelly rolls with the punches may ultimately dictate the line between failure and success.

5. The loss really isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things

Cooper said goodbye in the middle of a game week. That's where his mind was. There was no way Cooper, who was already on the backside of his career, was going to put in any type of performance that would have any resemblance of a true impact.

Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

It is what it is but the Raiders aren't missing much.

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